End of day 8

The boys have successfully made it to Zurich via Lichtenstein.  The day was less eventful in the 'large mountain' category but still threw into the mix some tricky situations.  Only one photo so far - the boys have gone to bed.  Keep your eye on the blog for more photos from today to be posted very soon:

Paul:  Only a brief entry for day 8, given the late arrival in our Zurich hotel and the desperate need for sleep. A beautiful day’s cycling through Switzerland and Lichtenstein covering amazing countryside and mountain views. Even the big climb of the day was not too bad and Stu’s famous or is it infamous motivational speech kept me going. The only down side was the journey through Zurich to find our hotel, it took an hour to find our hotel which included trapped chains, the most complicated road system ever and not so very friendly locals! Lots of love to Emily and Grace xx

View from lunch-stop

 Jamie's overview of the day is slightly more detailed (no-one panic - everything is ok!):  Day 8: Chur to Zurich (93 miles) – So we started in Switzerland, went through Lichtenstein (all 10 miles of it) and then back into Switzerland. I have to say, the Swiss and Liechtensteinian’s maintain their country to unbelievable standards. I swear, every blade of grass has been measured and cut to exact same length! The scenery was fantastic, just like the postcards. Unfortunately, the day was finished on a downer with a nightmare ride through Zurich. We got lost, Stu was nearly run over, Steve got a knife pulled on him and his chain badly jammed. But we are here, safe and sound and will be leaving stupidly early to avoid any agro in the morning. 

Stu, who is feeling much better, reflects on the highs and lows of the day:  Day 8, a day that would take me into somewhere I never thought I would visit, Liechtenstein! Well it didn’t disappoint, what a truly beautiful day’s cycling. It was long, but every view could have been placed on a postcard (not that anyone really sends them anymore)!   Getting into Zurich was an experience, but the team pulled through! Finally, today I hung back to motivate Paul up one of the climbs, this turned out to be a big mistake as twice I ended up downwind of one his farts – an experience that is not easily forgotten after 8 days of protein bars!!

And finally, George, a man of few words, sums up his day in just over 30:
Yes made it to Zurich in one piece...just!
Leichenstein and Swiss mountains are amazing. So pretty. Looking forward to a trip to Germany next. More mountains in the way though.

Adrian and Steve are both asleep zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Here's hoping that Germany doesn't provide such an interesting and stressful experience for the boys!!  Bring on Frieberg!!